Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any behavior in a relationship that is meant to cause hurt to another person's body
or to control another person's physical freedom or movement.  

Physical abuse also includes neglect of a partner or a child. Physical abuse may not always result in visible injury.

A partner may claim that they did not mean to hurt you, but when they repeatedly hurt you, their actions are intentional. They are trying to gain power and control, and this is physical abuse.

Physical abuse happens in many different ways. It happens between partners in a relationship, and between adults and children. In any case it is wrong and undeserved. Some examples of physical abuse are:

• Pushing or Shoving

• Grabbing

• Hitting, slapping or punching

• Pulling Hair

• Kicking

• Choking

• Holding someone down or holding their arm so they can't walk away

• Throwing objects at a partner

• Use of weapons to hurt or threaten 

• Biting

• Pinching

• Spitting

• Arm Twisting

• Burning

• Carrying someone against their will

• Trapping a partner in a car or a room

• Abandoning someone in an unsafe place

• Chasing

• Standing in a doorway to block someone from leaving

• Hiding keys, shoes, clothes or money so the other person can't leave

• Standing in front of/behind to prevent person from leaving

• Sabotaging car to prevent person from leaving

• Refusing to help someone when they are sick or injured (physical neglect)

• Following or stalking

• Destroying property

• Scratching

• Reckless driving 

• Pushing someone out of a car

• Banging against a wall

• Excessive Tickling

If one, some or all of these examples are occurring in your relationship, it is abuse. You do not deserve to be treated this way. Nothing you have ever done justifies the behavior of your partner. Your physical safety, choices, body, freedom, and rights are valuable and important.  You are valuable and important. Choose to Live Life Empowered and Move In.

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